思う
omou[o̞mo̞ɯ̟]
The Japanese phrase for 'I think' is 思う (omou).
思う is used to express an opinion, a belief or a thought. In Japanese sentence structure, it is typically placed at the end of a sentence to express a belief or opinion about a preceding clause.
Which one should you use?
While 思う is used for expressing opinions and beliefs, the related verb 考える is used specifically for the process of logical reasoning or deliberation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form 思う is used in casual speech or as a plain form preceding a noun clause. For a polite expression, use the form 思います. To express the past tense, use 思った. To express a continuous state of holding an opinion or a thought over time, use the progressive form 思っている.
How do you pronounce it?
omou
Did you know?
- One theory suggests that 思う is related to the word for 'face', 面, because our thoughts and emotions are often reflected in our facial expressions.
- In Japanese, using 思う can act as a 'softener' to make an opinion sound less blunt or aggressive than stating it as a hard fact.
- In Japanese, the subject 'I' is frequently omitted when using 思う. If the speaker is talking about their own thoughts, they usually leave out the word for 'I' entirely, as the context makes it obvious.
Examples in context
- 行くと思う。I think I'll go.This is useful for expressing a thought about an action with 思う.Tatoeba #11623775 by small_snow, translation #11358504 by sundown
- 晴れると思う。I think it will be fine.This is useful for expressing a belief about the weather with 思う.Tatoeba #143005 by small_snow, translation #271563 by CC
- 私もそう思う。I think so, too.This is useful for expressing agreement with someone else using 思う.Tatoeba #152212 by tommy_san, translation #262339 by CK
- この本はとてもおもしろいと思います。I think this book is very interesting.
- 862 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are discussing whether a restaurant is good.
- 健太 Kentaあの店、美味しいと思う？Ano mise, oishii to omou?Do you think that shop is delicious?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、すごく美味しいと思うよ。Un, sugoku oishii to omou yo.Yeah, I think it's very delicious.
- 健太 Kentaじゃあ、今度一緒に行こう。Jaa, kondo issho ni ikou.Then, let's go together next time.
- 陽葵 Himariいいよ、楽しみ！Ii yo, tanoshimi!Okay, I'm looking forward to it!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 思う, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
